Which cardiovascular findings are characteristic of metabolic acidosis?

Severe acidemia (ie, pH < 7.10) can predispose a patient to potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias, and it can reduce cardiac contractility and the inotropic response to catecholamines, resulting in hypotension and congestive heart failure.

Richard H Sinert, DO Professor of Emergency Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Research Director, State University of New York College of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Vice-Chair in Charge of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kings County Hospital Center